Pagasa: LPA may become a tropical cyclone

MANILA, Philippines - A low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao could intensify into a tropical cyclone by the middle of next week and will bring rains over the Visayas and northeastern Mindanao, the weather bureau said yesterday.

Nathaniel Servando, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), however, said good weather conditions will continue to prevail over most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, this weekend.

Isolated rainshowers, however, are possible over the Visayas and Mindanao, he said.

“There is a possibility that the low pressure area will intensify into a tropical cyclone, that’s why we are closely monitoring it,” Servando said in a text message.

“However, it is still disorganized. In case it develops into a cyclone in the middle of next week, it will affect the Visayas and northeastern Mindanao,” he added.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was spotted at 280 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan City, Surigao del Sur.

PAGASA said the effects of the southwest monsoon have subsided but it could still bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over northern Luzon and the western section of central Luzon.

It said strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the northern and western seaboards of northern Luzon.